Gold Run Mining Plan of Operations (Fiehler)

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve » Gold Run Mining Plan of Operations (Fiehler) » Document List

The National Park Service (NPS) is considering a mining plan of operations (MPO) which has been submitted by Vern Fiehler of Chisana, Alaska, for the purpose of conducting a suction dredge placer gold mining operation on the Gold Run group of unpatented mining claims located in the Gold Hill area within Wrangell St. Elias National Park and Preserve (WRST). Mr. Fiehler has submitted a mining plan of operations, as required by Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Section 9.9, detailing his proposed means and methods. The mineral rights to the Gold Run claims are owned by Mr. Fiehler.
Access to the site will be authorized via a Right-of-Way Certificate of Access (RWCA). Access in the summer (May through September) will be via the Chicken airstrip, then by Off Road Vehicle approximately 1.5 miles on an existing trail to the claims. Some materials may be hauled to the claims from Chisana in the winter via snowmachine. The mineral rights to the Little Eldorado Group claims are owned by Chisana Mining LLC.

The MPO has been reviewed by NPS to ensure consistency with 36 CFR 9.9. After review and approval, a notice went in the Federal Register announcing the availability of the MPO for public review. NPS has prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) that analyzes and examines the proposed mining operations and reasonable alternatives to ensure that it satisfies the requirements of 36 CFR 9.10, and would not injure or adversely affect federally owned land. The EA and Appendices are included on this site for public review and comment. NPS is currently taking public comments on the EA.

Comments may be submitted one of three ways: 1) on this website; 2) in writing to: Wrangell St. Elias National Park and Preserve, ATTN: Bruce Rogers, P.O. Box 439, Copper Center, AK 99573; or 3) by e-mailing Bruce Rogers at: bruce_rogers@nps.gov



Contact Information

Bruce Rogers
907-822-7276